Bridesmaids, put away that veil covered with condoms. Groomsmen, no need to break $20 into singles. There are plenty of cool ways to host a bachelor or bachelorette party that are way more creative than the average night out.
Ladies’ night
Admit it, ladies: You giggle the second the stripper yanks off his fake fireman uniform. Skip the stripper–and the hysterics–for something a little more city chic.
Supersized ride: Party like rock stars when you rent an SUV limo from Exotic Coach. The bachelorette party package includes six hours of limo service and three stops. The limo is stocked with beer, but feel free to bring along your own hooch. All stops must be determined in advance, and there’s a 14-passenger minimum. $72 per person minimum (including tip). 888-244-5585.
Smokey send-off: Longing for culture instead of clubs? Let the bride-to-be lounge on a pillow like a princess at Sigara Hookah Cafe and Lounge. Share a pipe (hookahs cost $20), sip tea and chow on Middle Eastern pastries and light bites. Non-smokers can pass on the pipe and watch the belly dancers perform at 10:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays. Bonus: Sigara just got its liquor license. 2013 W. Division St. 773-292-9190.
Desserts and dancing: At Sugar, you’ve got chocolate, wine and a dance floor all in one spot. Who could ask for more? Plus, if you get a posse of 20 together, you can reserve the Pom room. This private space has a giant, circular booth that can fit 40 of your peeps. A curtain keeps the room private, but the DJs tunes aren’t cut off, so you can enjoy your own private dance party. 108 W. Kinize St. 312-822-9999.
Dance hall days: Eighties music dominates at P.S. Chicago. This local legend–which closed its doors in the early ’90s–recently reopened in a new location. Rock out to “99 Luftballoons” in your bangle bracelets or, better yet, get all the girls in hideous ’80s prom dresses. Bachelorette parties get half-price on the cover charge–just call ahead. 1009-1011 N. Rush St., mezzanine level, 312-335-3600.
Guys’ night
Host the type of bachelor party that won’t require a postevent apology or a few nights on the couch.
Manly pampering: No way most grooms would want a spa day. But a trip to the Division Street Russian and Turkish Baths? That’s male bonding at its finest. $20 gets you access to the hot room, cold pool, Jacuzzi and eucalyptus steam room. There’s also a full kitchen and bar. No need to put on your clothes to grab some grub–you can parade around the dining room in your towel. 1916 W. Division St. 773-384-9671.
Fight night: Need a hockey fix while the NHL skips a season? Watch a Wolves’ hockey game–the team has games through April, and the price is right. For 10 guys, a luxury box costs about $65 per person and includes a ticket, a baseball cap, parking passes, a case of pop and snacks. Alcohol can be added for an extra charge. The scoreboard also will give your party a shout-out by flashing the group’s name in lights. Plus, the players might fight! Find the schedule at www.chicagowolves.com.
Old boys club: Got stuck with a co-ed, we’re-watching-you type of bachelor party? Head to Rush Street and go your separate ways. Guys can check out Jilly’s, a Rat Pack-inspired hang where cigars, Scotch and Sinatra rule. Send the girls next door to SYN–run by the same owners–where they can quaff champagne cocktails and boogie to ’70s tunes. Jilly’s: 1007 N. Rush St. 312-664-1001; SYN: 1009 N. Rush St. 312-664-0009.
Park and ride: Play the laziest sport ever at Whirlyball. The game is like lacrosse in bumper cars. And the place serves alcohol, so it probably gets pretty interesting. A WhirlyBash package has a 20-person minimum, costs $42 each and includes court time, beer and munchies. 1880 W. Fullerton St. 1-800-8-WHIRLY.
